Ph.D. degrees offered at GSIAS are as follows and prospective students who are both outstanding and hardworking are kindly suggested to contact respective Department Chairs and follow the guidelines for application. The degree can be pursued in the course of study in an area concentration. The program is designed to produce graduates who are both outstanding researchers and experts prepared to apply their knowledge and skills to practical problem-solving. Candidates write a faculty-supervised Ph.D. dissertation in English, Korean, or their regional specialty language.

Ph.D. Degrees

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

- A minimum of 36 credit hours as advised by the program supervisor with a minimum grade point average of
   3.00 out of the maximum of 4.50 points
   (A minimum of 64 credit hours in case of Integrated Master & Ph.D. program)
- 2 years (4 semesters) of residence for coursework
    *3 years (6 semesters) of residence for coursework in case of Integrated Master & Ph.D. program.
- One year of Thesis Guidance after course work
- A qualifying examination (Comprehensive Exam) in 3 selected fields
- Proficiency test in foreign languages (Foreign Language Proficiency Exam)
- Dissertation proposal defense conducted under a committee of 3 professors
- A dissertation written under the supervision of an advisory professor in the department
- Oral defense of the dissertation conducted under a committee of 5 professors

Duration of Coursework : 2 years (3 years in case of Integrated MA & Ph.D.)

Maximum Stay of School Years

- Doctoral (Ph.D.): 5 years
   - Integrated: 8 years (Any absence is not counted in)

Credits required for Completion

- Doctoral (Ph.D.): 36 credit minimum
   - Integrated: 64 credits

Credits per Semester

- Doctoral (Ph.D.): 3 credits ~ 9 credits
   - Integrated: 3 credits ~ 12 credits

Comprehensive Examination

Students on the doctoral program have to pass the Comprehensive Examination for the successful completion of their studies. The exam comprises three subjects (two major subjects + one concentration subject for doctoral course), chosen by the Head of the respective Department, under the permission of the GSIAS Dean.

Eligibility : Doctoral students who have completed (are expected to complete) the coursework.
Application : Please check the notice on the GSIAS website in March or September. The exam takes place once a semester
                     and students are required to submit the application form to the GSIAS Office. Students who fail the exam can
                     retake it until they pass. For retaking the exam, application fees are applied per subject.
Passing Grade: 70 out of 100.

Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement

Students have to pass the foreign language proficiency examt for the successful completion of their studies. The test is held twice a year for students who have registered more than one semester. There is no limit to the number of times the test may be taken. There is no limit to the number of times the test may be taken but application fees are applied for retaking the test.